Sons of the Jackal

This is the second album from Legion Of The Damned, who were a band called Occult until 2005 when they changed their name. So this is really the seventh album by a veteran outfit, rather than a follow-up by a new act. LotD haven't changed much about their approach, but they have tweaked a few things, so that I like this disc better than I liked any of the Occult albums.

LotD are a Death/Thrash band, but as Occult they had the annoying habit (common in modern Thrash) of timing their blastbeats right with the guitars, so every time they hit the strings, there was a kick-drum hit simultaneously. It's a small thing, but what it means is that you can't hear the guitars as well, and the drum-hit chokes off the Chug. I have mentioned elsewhere that I love The Chug, and any band that writes so I can't hear it does not go on my Thrash list. This time out LotD have apparently decided to get a little messier and more chaotic with their songwriting, and Sons Of The Jackal just slays with killer riffs, aggressive drumwork, and mega-chugging guitar mayhem that makes me smile and want to kill someone. This album is not breaking the mold, but they kick so much ass here I really could care less. Fans of Destroyer 666 and especially The Crown should not pass up this pissed-off slab of steel thrashing joy. A fine way to start the year.